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Tin Tin Nyo is the General Secretary of the Women’s League of Burma. A spirited women’s rights advocate, Tin Tin has spent the past 17 years working for a more equitable and peaceful society in Burma.

From 1962 to 2011, Burma’s military rulers suppressed dissent and were behind forced displacements, widespread sexual violence and ethnic cleansing. In 2011, the military government officially handed off power to a civilian government, which then introduced political, economic and social reforms. However, military power in Burma is still deeply entrenched and abuses against women and minorities are ongoing.

Tin Tin Nyo works through the Women’s League of Burma to bring women into peace and reconciliation processes and to push for constitutional changes that would limit the powers of the military and make Burma more inclusive. Recently, she has pushed government officials and non-state actors to create laws addressing violence against women and to develop an action plan to support survivors of violence.

Tin Tin Nyo is also an outspoken advocate for the release of political prisoners. “It’s our job, as women’s human rights defenders, not to be silent,” she says. “Therefore, we’re going to keep calling for unconditional release of women human rights defenders.”

Tin Tin Nyo’s pioneering work has opened up new space for women in politics, advanced the status of women, and provided a strong voice for justice and peace in Burma. In recognition of her work, the Global Fund for Women asked her to speak at its 25th anniversary gala and presented her with an honoree award in 2013.